How Brien Chua of HOUZE Keeps His Life (and Business) in Top Shape
In SBO Quick Word, industry insiders drop truth bombs in lightning‑fast email chats. Brien Chua, the mastermind behind HOUZE, shares how staying organized keeps his customers happy and his personal chaos at bay.
HOUZE’s Mission: Order at Your Doorstep
It’s fair to say that ordering the chaos is central to what HOUZE offers. Whether you’re a homeowner or a hawker, the goal is to make your space feel like a tidy playground.
So, how organized is a hustling entrepreneur?
From a young age, Brien was the kid who named every sock and sorted every toy into its rightful spot. He’s never been one to leave anything “just hanging.” Picture a lab of storage boxes, each with crystal‑clear labels that would make Marie Kondo proud.
“When I launched HOUZE in 2017, it was a natural fit. I already had this itch to keep my life neat, so building a business that helps others stay organized felt like the sweet spot.”
Daily Grind, Organized
- He uses a todo‑list app that tags tasks by category, so nothing slips through the cracks.
- Workspaces are segmented—one side for the office hustle, one side for the family groove.
- When a new order pops up, it’s checked off in a flash, and his system handles the rest.
Family Man, High‑Level Organizer
Being the president of the household club (aka father & husband), Brien ensures that business and play are separated but balanced. He’s locked down a rhythm that lets him lock knives in the kitchen, then switch gears to a late‑night email while his kids are snoring.
Fast‑Forward to the Future
In a world that keeps accelerating, Brien says the secret sauce is keeping everything in order. This gives him the breathing room to prioritize—whether that’s delivering perfectly packaged order sheets or crafting bedtime stories.
So next time you toss a drawer to the floor, remember: a well‑ordered life isn’t just neat; it’s the bedrock of a thriving business and a happy family. And if you’re lucky, it might just become an inspiring shift in your own daily routine.
How HOUZE Got the Word Out – From a Brick‑and‑Mortar to a Digital Superstar
*When HOUZE first opened its doors in November 2017, we were a pure‑offline shop. Customers knew nothing about us – the only buzz came from dusty rumors in the neighbourhood. The trick was to get people talking, both in cafés and online.
Step One: Pick the Star Products
*We whittled down our catalog to the absolute best‑selling items and put them front‑and‑center on the shelf. Those were our “hero” products. The change? Sales leapt like a hamster on a wheel. Soon we found ourselves topping bestseller lists on a handful of e‑commerce sites—our first taste of the digital big‑league.
Step Two: Team Up with Shopee
*Shopee wasn’t just a marketplace; it was a PR club. Their team fine‑tuned our brand positioning, helped us slide into Home & Living campaigns, and our manager was like that friendly aunt who keeps your biz in the spotlight.
Why Shopee? Cross‑Platform Christmas (and more)
*Step Three: Social Media Sizzle
*Ads, goofy behind‑the‑scenes posts, and the occasional meme exploded on our socials. That extra push turned curious browsers into loyal buyers.
Why Stick with Brick‑and‑Mortar?
*Even though our website can take orders, we kept physical stores and showrooms open. Because:
All in all, HOUZE grew through a blend of online buzz and offline charm. We’re still in the neighbourhood while our products are everywhere. That balance is what keeps customers coming back, whether they click “Add to Cart” or walk in for a test‑touch.
Why You Still Need a Brick‑and‑Mortar Store in the Digital Age
Everybody’s talking about “sell online, stay online”, but at HOUZE we’ve learned that a little off‑site courage boosts brand love. Think of it as the sweet spot between screen and real life.
Our Journey from Store‑to‑Screen
- Back in the day: Store‑first, then a tiny web spot; 90 % of sales were in‑person.
- Today: Online‑first, yet still keep the shop; over 80 % of sales come from the web.
We didn’t ditch the shop—our experience centre is still the place where customers can try, feel, and fall in love with a piece before they hit “Add to Cart.”
The Touch‑and‑Feel Advantage
With Home & Living items, there’s nothing like getting up close to a sofa, fabric, or lamp to see how it’ll sit in your space. That tactile check‑mark is a powerful motivator for many.
- Customers wipe a toe‑print on a rug, then go back home and buy it online.
- They love the convenience of skipping the checkout line.
- Free delivery + slick promos on the website pull them into the digital lane.
Good Customer Service in a 24/7 Digital World
As shoppers grow smarter, they’re looking for two things: 24‑hour support and iron‑clad logistics.
- Round‑the‑clock help keeps customers from jumping ship.
- Live chat lets teams talk like friends, not salespeople.
Logistics: The Ultimate Trust Builder
Who doesn’t want a smooth delivery without the “Where is my package?” drama? A trustworthy logistics partner delivers:
- Fast, reliable shipping (no “you’ll never receive it” moments).
- Easy, no‑questions‑asked returns that make customers feel safe.
Bottom line: The mix of an in‑store touch point with an efficient online engine builds brand loyalty that feels both personal and futuristic.
What E‑Commerce Trends Will Shape 2020?
As we slide into the new year, the world of online shopping is about to get a whole lot more exciting. Grab your coffee, because here’s the low‑down on the trends that will keep brands hustling and consumers clicking.
1. More Choices, More Fun
Consumers are no longer satisfied with the same old, same old. The push for diverse product lines means brands are getting creative—think limited‑edition gadgets, artisanal food bundles, and eco‑friendly gear that turns a simple purchase into an experience.
2. Delivery, Delivered with a Smile
Fast? Reliable? Thoughtful? Delivery is evolving from a logistical necessity to a killer marketing point. Same‑day drop‑offs, smart lockers, and real‑time tracking are becoming the norm—and the brands that nail it see a double‑drop in repeat shoppers.
3. The Stack of Brands
More and more businesses are listing on popular e‑commerce platforms. Think of it as a digital marketplace where every store has its own pop‑up shop. For sellers, that means visibility is priceless, but it also means standing out is crucial. Unique branding, stellar visuals, and killer copy are the secret sauce.
4. Shoppers Want More Interaction
Beyond a click‑through rate, buyers crave interactivity: live chats, AR try‑ons, dynamic filters, and personalized nudges that feel like a friend recommending something. The result? A store that feels like a boutique—just on your screen.
How to Keep Up?
- Listen to the chatter on social feeds and review sites.
- Test new tech before sprinting full‑scale.
- Celebrate small wins—every 0.5% boost in conversion is a victory lap.
So, What’s the Bottom Line?
2020 is all about agility. Marketers who can pivot—adding fresh products, refining logistics, and engaging users—will thrive. The rest of us? Relax and enjoy the ride as the marketplace morphs into something even more delightful.
— Originally featured in Singapore Business Owners’ MoneyProfile e‑Commerce lineup.
